By the time the 2024 NFL draft comes around, the Pittsburgh Steelers will have already had to make some tough decisions. One of those could be pertaining to wide receiver Diontae Johnson. The Steelers gave Johnson a huge new contract but this season he’s really struggled with his maturity on and off the field.
In his first 2024 NFL mock draft, The Athletic’s Dane Brugler went a bit off script for the Pittsburgh Steelers with the No. 23 overall pick and we have to wonder if this isn’t somehow related to the Johnson situation.
Brugler has the Steelers selecting LSU wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. Thomas is a fast-riser in the draft and while we concede he could end up in the first round, I’m not sure this is the direction the Steelers would go. Here’s a bit of what Brugler said about the pick:
The Steelers have as good a track record drafting receivers outside the first round as anyone, but it would be tough to pass on Thomas, who has outstanding size (6-4, 205), speed and tracking skills.
Seeing Iowa defensive back Cooper DeJean come off the board with the next pick stings. The Steelers are in a position where they need a cornerback and a safety for next year and DeJean’s athleticism and versatility are a perfect match for Pittsburgh.
